When is it Time to Replace Your Pool Filter?

April 6, 2017

Does your pool filter needs to be cleaned or replace? Here’s how you know.

You may have recently opened your pool only to realize that you haven’t replaced your pool filter in a long time. Pool filters are a critical part of keeping your pool clean and operational, but sometimes it’s difficult to know when to replace these valuable pieces of equipment. In some cases, you may not even need to replace it and cleaning it will suffice. Here are some tips for knowing when and how to replace or clean your pool filter.

Cleaning Cartridges

Your filter should always be cleaned every 6 months, or if the filter’s pressure gauge increases by around 8 PSI. Initially, remove any large chunks of dirt or debris. Then soak the filter in a pool filter cartridge cleaning solution to get rid of any oils that may be clinging to your filter.

Replacing Cartridges

Typically, cartridge filters need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. You can also tell your cartridge filter needs to be swapped out if you start having to clean it more often; that is, if the pressure gauge increases by 8 PSI much more often than every 6 months, you may need to replace it. If you notice that water stays green and cloudy, you may need to replace your filter. Check for tears in the fabric or any kind of physical damage on the filter too as that is a clear sign it needs to be replaced.

Sand Filters

If you have a sand filter, you may have heard that they never need to be replaced. Sand filters do last quite a long time, around 5 to 7 years assuming it is maintained properly. Nonetheless, a sand filter will inevitably lose its sharp edges, making it ineffective at catching all the dirt it’s supposed to filter out.

Whether you need a new pool cover or are looking for the perfect pool for your home, Sunrise Pool Builders are here to help. We are happy to walk you through every step of the design process and ensure that your pool or spa meets the needs of every member of your family and all of the activities you want a pool or spa for. If you are ready to design the perfect pool or spa for your home, contact the experts at Sunrise Pools & Spas. For more information on our services, contact usonline or give us a call at 410-349-3852. To see examples of our work, check us out on social media onFacebook,Twitter,LinkedIn,Pinterest, andGoogle+.